One Priesthood in Christ: Building Priestly Fraternity | Bonus Episode | SJSPodcast
SJS Podcast
In this bonus episode of the Saint John’s Seminary Podcast, we share a recording of Fr. Najim’s presentation from the Saint John’s Seminary Summer Conference on June 17, 2026. Beginning with the familiar saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” Fr. Najim examines the divisions that can emerge between generations of priests—from perceptions of pastoral approaches to differences in theological outlook. Rather than allowing these differences to become sources of division, he asks how they can become complementary gifts within the presbyterate. Drawing on Sacred Scripture and the teachings of Lumen Gentium and Presbyterorum Ordinis, Fr. Najim offers a simple framework for priestly life: Relationship, Identity, and Mission (RIM). A living relationship with Jesus Christ gives rise to a deeper priestly identity, and from that identity flows the priest’s mission. When this order is reversed, he warns, ministry can become a “recipe for burnout.” Ultimately, Fr. Najim invites priests to rediscover their shared identity in Christ, strengthen fraternity across generations, and embrace the diversity of experiences and assignments within the presbyterate as gifts that contribute to the unity and mission of the Church.